Wests move forward after smashing Royals

The pain from their 2011 Grand Final loss to the Tuggeranong Vikings will be added motivation for Wests this Saturday, as they aim to ruin the Vikings unbeaten 2012 run.

Wests are taking their own unbeaten streak into the match with four successive wins the match after accounting for Canberra Royals at Jamison on Saturday.

Last week, a slow starting Wests outfit proved to be a task too tough for Royals in their John I Dent Cup clash.

Despite the 40-17 scoreline, first grade Coach Craig Robberds was dissatisfied with his team’s performance.

“I was pretty disappointed to be honest, we probably should have put 65 points on them,” he said post-match.

“At the breakdown we just weren’t ruthless, the ball was too slow and got held in there too long.”

Royals started the match strongly using their size advantage to full effect, scoring out wide and adding the extras to lead 7-0.

But Wests stayed composed and hit back immediately with a try to Nic Dobson after some intelligent lead up work from halfback Peter Raines. This was soon followed by a crafty show and go and some pinpoint goalkicking from flyhalf Gus McKerchar, putting Wests ahead 14-7.

A speedy Tim Johnston did his best to spark Royals attacking game into life but was met with a bone rattling tackle from Chad Joseph. As always Wests captain Aaron McInnes was inspirational, leading the way with a series of damaging hit-ups putting Royals on the back foot.

A quick tap lead to a try on the blindside to Mal Barnes. Wests took a 19-7 lead into the halftime break.

Unlike the first half Wests started the second half in a hurry, showing their true potential as a 2012 John I Dent cup threat by extending their lead with relative ease.

Drew Southwell was a handful with a brace of tries on the wing, plus a Ben Coutts try only adding to Royals worries and giving Wests a commanding 26-7 lead.

Royals went back to basics by playing to their strengths in the forward pack, which paid dividends with tries to Joe Kolo and Paula Latu via their damaging pick and drive.

The scoreboard now read 26-17 and Royals were now playing with restored belief. However, when outside centre Junior Luteru sliced through the Royals defensive to score, all hopes of a comeback were put to bed.

A creative chip and chase from brumbies contracted winger Kimami Sitauti looked to be potentially one of the best tries of the season but he didn’t get the bounce of the ball, adding to a match Royals would rather forget.

Wests tallying their fourth straight win of the season 40 points to 17.